doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Source for Fox Values?

I've become interested in getting a Fox shotgun.
Not as an investment, but rather to shoot clays and possibly birds with.
My ignorance of Fox values is immense. I've tried the usual "look at all the auction sites" routine. However, 80% of the guns at auction seem to be Sterlingworths and the other 20% are of various and sundry grades and conditions.
It is also really difficult to judge condition as most of the shotguns are very old (surprise).
I've looked at some specimens at Clay shoots, but again, have no reference point as to value.
I'm only interested in Fox shotguns that have reasonably modern dimensions. I simply can't shoot a gun well when it has a 2 3/4 - 3 1/4 drop at heel.
Is there a source for Fox values (by grade / condition) that would be of any assistance in my search, Or am I basically shooting craps (pun intended) in my search?

MTB,

Fox value and Fox price are two differnt things... you can find a lot of value in the early A Grades as they can often be bought for nearly what the market now bears for Sterlingworth models. Better fit and finish in the earlier Fox guns (even prior to Savage taking over operations in 1929) is evident and adds some perceived and actual market value. Early style ejectors on a very nice condition graded Fox may slightly detract from value but I don't recall seeing those guns cost less because of that issue.. perhaps just not as desirable to folks looking for a ejector gun. The C-grade Fox's are in my opinion a great value in the $5-6K range for a high condition example. The workmanship, wood, and engraving approaches best-grade for the era. Shootable dimensions don't seem to have that much effect on asking price - possibly a few % more. Most of us who prefer vintage American SxS's have adapted to more drop and slightly shorter LOP however, those guns tend to be snatched up quicker than those with 3" of drop.

If you look around and take the time to talk with sellers, I think you'll end up finding a gun that is right for your needs at a price you can live with especially if you compare to Parker prices

-jmc

There's always the Blue Book of Gun Values which shouldn't be taken as the last word but will give you a baseline. From what I hear from others, you can add about 25% to the Blue Book value.

The blue book as stated before is only a base line guide and when dealing with Fox values it is in most cases behind the current market values. With that said it all comes down to grade,condition and option rarity when trying to determine values.

Drop in over on the Fox collectors site and hang out for awhile, it might help you with your decision making on your Fox purchase.

http://www.foxcollectors.com/

This will probably limit you to Savage-produced Foxes, unless you find a Philly Fox with custom stock dimensions or want to go the re-stocking route. The fit and finish is a gun-to-gun thing, and in my opinion is overplayed: some Utica Foxes are finished every bit as well as any, especially in graded guns; some Philly Foxes ain't all that great. Plus, Savage-made Foxes include some very desirable and collectible models such as the SP series, Skeet and Upland, Waterfowl,etc.

My Utica Foxes have 2-1/2 - 2-5/8 DAH; very shootable. I don't think you'll find many Foxes with 3-1/4", but 2-3/4 - 3" is common, especially in earlier guns.

Suggest you spend some time of the Fox Collectors website

http://www.foxcollectors.com/

I have to say the Blue Book values are pretty un realistic in many ways. One example is they they suggest adding $1000 for a beaver tail fore end. To most buyers of these guns beavertails do not add value.
Just like auto blue book. the gun book is often used to justify bloated prices.

I was in a similar situation and purchased McIntosh's book as well as perusing the Fox Collector's site and everywhere else I could see Fox's.
My conclusion was that it was a 'crap shoot' for a high grade gun and that finding one in the condition I wanted was slim to none. I ordered a CSMC Fox instead and unless you are willing to invest substantial time and money purchasing and selling Fox's to get what you want, my time and money were better spent with CSMC.-Dick

In looking through the records I've found many guns with great dimensions and many with horrible ones. I think the worst I've found so far is a 26-inch barrel 12-gauge A-Grade with a 13-inch length-of-pull and a 4-inch drop-at-heel.

This might work out. The gun needs to be checked out. It has factory 2-3/4" chambers. It is almost certainly a Utica gun but the fit finish look to be good.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/conten...erarchyId=11657

A.H. Fox Sterlingsworth 12 Gauge


Cal./Gauge: 12 Gauge
Chamber(s): 2 3/4"
Barrel(s): 28" w/ Solid Concaved Rib
Choke(s): Full/Mod.
Weight: 7 1/2 Lbs.
Sights/Scope: Single Silver Bead
Trigger(s): Double Triggers
Stock: Checkered Walnut w/ Pistol Grip
Stock Dimensions: LOP: 14 1/2"; DAC: 1 1/2"; DAH: 2 1/2"
Butt/Pad: Plastic Plate
Metal Condition: Good
Wood Condition: Good
Bore Condition: Very Good


This A.H. Fox Sterlingsworth in 12 Gauge has 28 inch barrels choked full by modified with 2 3/4 inch chambers and has a single silver bead on a solid concaved rib. The barrel has some blue wear on both sides by the receiver and some wear around the brim of the muzzle. The receiver is case hardened and states "FOX STERLINGSWORTH" on both sides. On the floor of the receiver the case hardening has faded to show silver. This shotgun has a walnut stock with pistol grip and plastic butt plate. Around the wrist of the stock and the fore end, there are pockets were the finish has been worn down and stock shows some light handling marks. Gun is in overall good condition. LOP: 14 1/2"; DAC: 1 1/2"; DAH: 2 1/2"; 7 1/2 Lbs.
Price: $1300.00
Reference Number: 1243928

* For purchase information, please contact: Lacey, WA *
Phone (360) 252-3511 • Fax (360) 252-3545 • lacgl@cabelas.com

I don't have an interest in the gun.


Best,

Mike